Obituaries
Keith Roy Haley, Jr.
Keith Roy Haley, Jr., 69, of Bellevue, passed away on March 30, 2025 at his home in Bellevue, MI. He was born on July 3, 1955 to Keith Roy, Sr. and Cacilie (Fabri) Haley in Battle Creek, MI. Keith graduated from Bellevue High School in 1973, he then graduated from Western Michigan University in 1977 with a Bachelor’s Degree. He was a substitute teacher in Bellevue Schools and Calhoun County Area Career Center in Battle Creek and then worked in the maintenance department for Bellevue Public Schools for 30 years. On June 21, 1997, Keith married Ruth E. Iglehart at the Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.
Keith was a severe weather spotter for Eaton County and a Ham Radio operator. He was a very talented man, he wrote a weather program, designed different projects, and did posters for Wendy’s while he worked there. Keith was very hands-on when he was working on his house and he was very creative with his computer. Keith was a very loyal man. His family would like to give a special thank you to Bellevue First Baptist Church.
Keith is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; special sons, Todd (Christiana) Dewhurst, Troy Dewhurst; grandson, Jaron Dewhurst; granddaughter, Gianna Dewhurst; great-granddaughter, Braelynn and sister, Tosca (James) Hable. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held at Kempf’s of Bellevue on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bellevue First Baptist Church, Bellevue, Michigan, with Reverend Don Francis, officiating. Burial will take place in the Bellevue Riverside Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Bellevue First Baptist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.
John Charles Engel, Jr.
John Charles Engel, Jr., 76, of Charlotte, went to his final rest on Sunday, March 23, 2025. John was born August 7, 1948 to John and Edith (Harris) Engel. He was a graduate of the Naval Academy, Class of 1968, serving four years. He retired from Oldsmobile after more than 25 years. John loved working in the woods around his home and his rock collection, making Petoskey stone jewelry that his nieces loved. His neighbor said “he was a good neighbor and always knew what was happening around the neighborhood.” John also had a soft place in his heart for his dogs throughout the years.
John is survived by his sisters Barbara (Roger) Zerba of Olivet, Patricia (Kenneth) Hancock of Mulliken, and Joan Crowe of Charlotte; six nieces and nephews; many great and great-great nieces and nephews; his lifetime friend, Tony (Lisa) Lucio; close friend, Rod (Peggy) Sellen; and numerous other close friends. He is predeceased by his parents and niece, Denise Zerba Mayle.
Friends are encouraged to support John’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Cremation has taken place and interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pawsibilities Pet Rescue in Olivet. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Linda Sue Steele
Linda Sue Steele, of Eaton Rapids, passed away March 29, 2025, at the age of 76. Linda was born in Jackson, MI, September 12, 1948, the daughter of Allen and Mary (Howe) Dryer. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1982. Linda worked for Green Bay Packaging, formerly Heifetz Pickle Factory, retiring in 1992 after 14 years and Meijer for 14 more years as a stocker. Linda loved her travels throughout Michigan and going to casinos. Her favorite role in her retired years was being a grandmother and taking care of her grandchildren. It was a role that gave her great joy. Linda also loved baking for her family and friends.
Linda is survived by her children, Teresa Laudenslager of Eaton Rapids, Wayne (Kristin) Parsons of Bellevue, Tina (Brian) Barrett of Eaton Rapids, Valerie (Tim) Pancost of Charlotte, Todd (Nicole) Steele of Lansing, Allen “AJ” (Missy) Steele of Eaton Rapids, Kimberly (Scott) Felice of Eaton Rapids; 21 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; siblings, Melvin Dryer, Shirley (Gayle) Parsons, Martha (Tom) Schwalbe and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Allen; son-in-law, Eric Laudenslager; three sisters; seven brothers; mother and father-in-law, William and Mary Steele.
Memorial Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on April 19, 2025, at the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club, 4483 Freeman Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 29777 Telegraph Rd., Suite 1451, Southfield, MI 48034. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Judy Kay Gardner
Judy Kay Gardner, a woman who loved in such a big way that bellies were never empty, and hearts were always full, passed away March 21, 2025. Judy, 79, of Vermontville was born October 22, 1945 on the K-Bar Ranch in Hominy, OK to Thomas Ernest Marcum and Agatha Marie (Upton) Marcum. A cherished member of the First Congregational Church of Vermontville and the Eastern Star, Judy dedicated her life to bringing people together, ensuring everyone felt welcome and loved.
A loyal school bus driver for the Maple Valley School District, Judy was more than just a chauffeur to the children; she was a friendly face and a comforting supportive figure. Her compassionate and responsible nature made a lasting impact on students and parents alike. Following her retirement in 2000, Judy recognized the profound importance of helping those in need and devoted her time to making sure no one went hungry as a volunteer at the Vermontville Food Bank. Additionally, Judy was an honorary member of the Maple Valley FFA and volunteered her time as an FFA Chaperone at State Conventions. Her efforts embodied the true spirit of generosity and community support.
A woman of many talents, Judy was known for her love of sewing quilts and costumes, crocheting personalized gifts for family—especially for newborns—and created the beloved home, “A Hallmark House,” a gathering place where family came together during the holidays. In 1992, Judy conceptualized and sewed an entire ensemble for Christine’s Miss Rodeo America pageant. Judy’s creativity extended to community events as well. She designed costumes and parade floats for her grandkids at the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival, showcasing her artistic flair and bringing joy to those who attended. In her spare time, Judy enjoyed bowling and fishing with friends and embarking on road trips to rodeos. Judy was an avid gardener who grew vegetables and zinnias in the garden on her beloved farm. She enjoyed the birds, especially the finches and mourning doves she attracted. Judy embraced all of life’s adventures with enthusiasm.
Family was the heart of everything Judy did. She diligently raised her children to be good community members and instilled the same values in her grandchildren. She organized gatherings with an overabundance of food—18 courses worth—and lovingly baked birthday cakes and holiday cinnamon rolls for her children and grandchildren. Watching volleyball and football games with her grandkids were among her cherished moments, further highlighting her supportive spirit.
Judy is survived by her loving husband, Douglas Gardner; her children, Christine (Eric) Terpening, Gordie Gardner, and Dennis (Kathy) Gardner; her grandchildren, Josey (Bernie) Smith, Marcum (Avianna Jackson) Terpening, Chelsey (Dane) Saylor, Chase Gardner, Dillon Terpening, and Jessie Gardner; and her great-grandchildren, Gage Saylor, Raelyn Saylor, and Bernie Smith. She is also remembered by her sister, Anna Lou Hansbarger. Judy was preceded in death by her brothers Joseph Marcum and Jim Marcum, and her sister Laquita Valdick.
Judy’s legacy of kindness, bravery, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her. As we remember her life, let us honor her memory by embracing one another with the same warmth and generosity she shared with the world.
Friends are encouraged to support Judy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A procession to Woodlawn Cemetery will follow funeral services. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Judy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Maple Valley FFA. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ronald Richard Perkins
Ronald Richard Perkins was a huge sports enthusiast and celebrated his final homerun as he crossed over into Heaven on March 20, 2025. Born in Battle Creek, MI on July 11, 1943 to Jack and Wilma (Nelson) Perkins, Ronald graduated from high school and went to work soon after at General Motors and remained there for 30 years until his retirement in 2000. In April of 1967 Ron married Audrey Langs and the two became inseparable, enjoying many years of special times riding motorcycles to almost every state in the continental US including Alaska, and trips through Canada. They enjoyed raising their Shetland Sheepdogs, wintering in Florida, and time spent with friends and family. He was a member of Chapter R Goldwings, and Mid-Michigan Riders FMCA Knights of the Highway.
Quiet and introverted, yet very strong-willed, Ron enjoyed a good laugh. Sports could always be found on the TV in their home, whether it was Detroit Lions, Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons, or MSU Spartans. Ron was a hard worker, not only on the job, but with his other activities as well. A talented woodworker, he made furniture, jewelry boxes, and all the cabinetry in their kitchen. Also, he loved to golf and take photographs.
A dog-lover, Ron and his wife raised Shelties and volunteered with Pet Therapy at Sparrow Hospital, enjoying when his dog Buddy could help children smile. The one special night for relaxation with the family was always Sunday enjoying a huge bowl of popcorn and Schwann’s ice cream.
Ron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Audrey; children, Kathy Davis and Tim (Jo-Anne) Perkins; grandchildren, Heather (Chit) Win and Lee Derrick; great-grandchildren, Norah Win, Miriam Win, and another baby on the way; and sister, Gail (Bill) Spooner. In his immediate family he was predeceased by his mother and father; and his sisters, Nancy VanNocker and Diane Metzmaker.
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, March 26, 12:30-2:00 p.m. with Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Immediately following the service, interment will take place at Needmore Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.